If just casual use to high-level gaming, 16 GB of system memory is overkill. If doing video editing or audio composing, then go with 16 GB.. or more. But that requires a 64-bit OS version.For that model motherboard you noted, it has dual-channel memory configuration. Best is to have a matched pair of modules, compliant with the FSB needed for the CPU in use. I would go with premium-grade memory, matched pair, 4 x 4 GB max for normal use.The motherboard manufacturer has a QVL (qualified vendor list) of memory types recommended for it. Get your CPU first, then compatible memory.

If you are planning on a server-type system, then yes go with a pair of 8 GB modules, for the 16 GB max. That would lessen power draw slightly, instead of using two pairs of 4 GB modules. But if for general use or intense gaming, less than half of that 16 GB would be utilized.The older "single-density" types are no longer in use, unless the motherboard is more than 10 years old. The "double-density" design is favored today. As to your quest.. that Xeon processor only needs DDR3-1333/1600 type modules. The DDR3-2400 modules are not in the list of recommended types for that board. Recommended is DDR3-1600 / 1866 / 2133 / 2200 / 2600 / 2800 / 3000, non-buffered, non-ECC. Set the BIOS to use the "auto" setting for memory timing, with the SPD factor as manager.But in order to use any higher than 2 GB main system memory, the OS issue must be a 64-bit version. A 32-bit OS version can manage only about 3.5 GB of total system memory.. which must include any device cards or other memory.

Karlsweldt wrote:As to your quest.. that Xeon processor only needs DDR3-1333/1600 type modules. The DDR3-2400 modules are not in the list of recommended types for that board. Recommended is DDR3-1600 / 1866 / 2133 / 2200 / 2600 / 2800 / 3000, non-buffered, non-ECC. Set the BIOS to use the "auto" setting for memory timing, with the SPD factor as manager.

Thx a lot, but which type of RAM can you recommend for these hardware?MSI Z97 U3 PLUSIntel Xeon E3-1246 v3, 4x 3.50GHz, 1150, boxed (BX80646E31246V3)

Here is a long listing of recommended memory types for that MSI board.And a specs link for the Xeon E3-1246 v3, 4x 3.50GHz processor. DDR3-1333/1600 is recommended for it. Going with a higher speed, premium memory should pose no problems. But staying with recommended components is always best.If you do plan on some over-clocking of the system, remember that there is cache memory on the CPU die. It is the limiting factor for a CPU rating. if paged faster than its maximum limit, system crashes will be very likely. Although the core itself may tolerate higher speed, the cache memory cannot. Same with main system memory.Over-clocking the CPU and system memory is fairly common, with limits. But increasing the bus speeds of other features will result in unstable operation. Leave the data bus speeds at default settings.As to choices for memory brands, read the reviews at Tom's Hardware and others.

With the memory controller on the CPU die, a lower voltage is mandated for proper operation and memory control. Increasing the voltage beyond recommended might damage the CPU cores. Go with what is recommended. Modules that require higher than 1.5 volts may not page properly at the lower voltage. And you may void any warranty on the CPU if control voltages are too high!